5 Ways to Overcome Your Fears

It's called diaphragmatic breathing. It's easy, and it works: Inhale slowly from your lower belly to a count of four, hold for four counts, then slowly exhale to a count of four. Keep going for several minutes. "This exercise takes you out of your head and into your body, distracting you from your thoughts and directing your attention to the now," says Brian Jacobson, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in New York City. "Plus, blood will flow to your muscles, fueling them for what's ahead."

Want to expand your horizons, be a braver person and enjoy life to the fullest? The secret isn't fearlessness but admitting what scares you. Then use that knowledge to push yourself further than you ever thought possible. Go on. Take a leap. When you're in a panic, pick one of these tricks to tamp it down.